HARPER WOODS, Mich. – A local family is grappling with heartbreak and financial hardship following the sudden passing of Alexus Sherrill, a young mother of five, just weeks after giving birth.
Alexus Sherrill died on Saturday, three days after returning home from the hospital where she was treated for complications related to childbirth. Her mother, Donna Sherrill, recalls the loving spirit Alexus carried.
“Alexus was very vibrant, happy, go-lucky. A very good nurturing, patient mother,” said Donna.
The cause of death, according to the family, was postpartum heart failure due to multiple blood clots and fluid around the left chamber of her heart, with clots lodged in her left lung. Tragically, Alexus did not have health insurance at the time.
Now, Donna is stepping up to become the guardian of Alexus’ five children, whose ages range from just two months to thirteen years old. This responsibility comes in addition to caring for three other children she adopted after losing another daughter two years ago. Despite being disabled, Donna is dedicated to providing a stable home but admits she’s facing growing challenges.
“It’s been very tough… never in my wildest dream,” Donna confesses. “How am I going to come up with the funds to send my daughter off with a nice homegoing? How am I going to come up with all the school supplies and uniforms? It’s just overwhelming.”
Family and friends have begun rallying to support Donna and the children during this difficult time.
“This is not easy. It’s not easy losing a sister,” said Devonte Sherard, the children’s uncle. “We’ve been staying in prayer. We just keep on pressing through it.”
The family is urging community members to offer support however they can, as they navigate this major transition.
“Anything would be a great help and a blessing to the family and to her children,” Donna said.
Family members say donations to help with funeral services can be made to Caver Memorial Funeral Home at 19301 Van Dyke Avenue, Detroit, MI under the name Alexus Sherrill. Additionally, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with the children’s care and related expenses. You can donate here.
For those wishing to help or learn more, family members say you can also call Alexus Sherrill’s aunt, Jamila Long, at 313-739-7810.